Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions

Here are Melony’s answers to some of the questions people ask most often about weight loss and nutrition.

Is diet or exercise more important for weight loss?

You can’t out exercise a bad diet. It’s not saying exercise isn’t important, it definitely is, but you won’t see the number on the scale budge if your eating habits aren’t up to level, overall your weight is determined by how many calories you take in vs how many calories you burn. We need to take in fewer calories, called a calorie deficit. It is the deficit that will help you see results with the proper nutrition as well.

How often should I eat to lose weight?

I recommend eating 5-6 meals a day to maximize you weight loss. By eating 5 small meals a day you are essentially spreading out your food into a bunch of smaller meals. This strategy keeps you full throughout the day, keeps your blood sugar stable, your energy levels stable, and gives you willpower to stay on track with your goals. Why is this important for weight loss? This leads up to you eating fewer calories because you are in control of your cravings and hunger.

Can I drink alcohol/soda/sweet tea/juice and still lose weight?

Don’t drink you calories! When you eat the right amount of calories to lose weight but you drink those liquid calories they still count even if they don’t fill you up. It’s those calories that are either preventing you from losing weight or even causing you to gain weight. When you drink an extra 200 calories during your meal, you don’t even feel it. You don’t feel more full or satisfied than if you had drank a glass of zero calorie water.

How many calories do I need to lose weight?

It depends, how many calories you need depends on your weight, gender, activity level, etc. While counting calories works, using the right tools and strategies (and having a great meal plan) is effective for long-term weight loss and weight management. That’s why I calculate macro’s for each one of my clients individualized for them.

How much water should I drink to maximize weight loss?

You should aim to drink at least half of your body weight in water. Ex: If you weigh 160 lbs you should aim to drink 80 ounces. If you can, you should drink a gallon to a gallon and a half of water each day. Try to work your way up to a gallon slowly. There are so many health and weight loss benefits that come with drinking intake. Staying hydrated encourages metabolic function. Your body is 60% water and needs water to function properly.

Are there certain foods I should avoid to see best results?

Yes and no. Healthy foods support our goals, make us feel good, fuel or bodies, and give us the nutrition we need. Regular foods are the treats that we like to enjoy once in a while. Weight loss nutrition is about balance. I eat “healthy” foods most of the time but on occasion I will be eating regular foods with my granddaughter (like fries)!

Is sleep important for weight loss?

The short answer is yes. The long answer is also yes. We all know we should be getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night, and women actually need more sleep than men. If you are trying to lose weight how important is sleep? It’s super important. Sleep loss has been linked to:

  • Obesity
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Depression
  • Heart attacks
  • Strokes

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Today’s a great day to take a step in the direction you want to go! Whether you’ve been trying to manage your health for a long time and need some help or today is the day of your new beginning, let us help you!